NORTH Queensland coach Paul Green has allowed his players free rein to follow their attacking instincts after selecting a potent team for the Auckland Nines yesterday.

Australian forward James Tamou and North Queensland’s bruising second-rowers Tariq Sims and Jason Taumalolo have been included in a 16-man Cowboys’ team that Green said had permission to put defence in the background as they chase a $2.25 million purse starting Saturday against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Exciting youngsters Zac Santo and Javid Bowen have again been named on the wings following last weekend’s opening trial win against the Brisbane Broncos, with their nods highlighting Green’s “no pressure” approach to the weekend’s tournament.

“They’re putting it on as an event over there to get some support in New Zealand for rugby league, and I think it’s important that we try and play an attacking style,” Green said.

“I think the National Rugby League is fairly defence focused, so this is an opportunity for everyone to get out there and – no pressure – throw the ball around.

“It’s a bit of an unknown quantity. But when you look at the guys that I’ve named I think we’ll be more than ­competitive.”

Lachlan Coote, who is expected to be Green’s first-choice fullback this year, has been named to play at No. 1 again this weekend following his Cowboys debut last weekend, and hooker Ray Thompson will play his first games of 2014 in Auckland.

Also making their first appearances this weekend are Joel Riethmuller, Antonio Winterstein and Gavin Cooper, who will skipper North Queensland for the first time.

But it’s Santo and Bowen who Green is perhaps most excited about ahead of the weekend’s action.

Santo is a former NYC star with plenty of speed and agility, while Bowen has drawn comparisons with his uncle and club legend Matthew.

“It’s not the best team we can field, but it’s exciting to see some of the younger guys with open space,” Green said.

North Queensland’s other three Australian representatives – Brent Tate, Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott – are expected to play the club’s final pre-season trial, which is against the Gold Coast Titans on February 22.

The Cowboys head to Auckland today and will take Anthony Mitchell as 17th man.